Aldwych Theatre

49 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF GB

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Shadowlands Tickets

Hugh Bonneville returns to the West End stage in a revival of this moving drama about C S Lewis.

4.8 83 reviews from 83 verified reviews

Booking until: Saturday, 9 May 2026
Running time: 2hr 20min. Incl. 1 Interval.
Starring: Hugh Bonneville

Tickets from £36.00

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Shadowlands in London

Starring:

Hugh Bonneville

Hugh Bonneville will reprise his role as C S Lewis in this sparkling new revival of William Nicholson's critically acclaimed play, which explores the relationship between the Chronicles of Narnia author and American poet Joy Davidman, in a moving portrait of love, loss, and faith.

Why you should see Shadowlands

Don't miss BAFTA, Primetime Emmy, and Golden Globe Award-nominated Hugh Bonneville (Paddington, Downton Abbey) in his much anticipated return to the West End fresh off the success of the Downtown Abbey film.
The play is based on the heartbreaking true story of C S Lewis's unexpected romance with Joy Davidman, and his own account of struggling with grief and faith after her untimely death.
Lewis had a fascinating life and a remarkable impact on literature, and this is your chance to see him in a new light through a breath-taking and tragic piece of his history.

What is Shadowlands about?

It's the 1950s in Oxford and C S Lewis - a reserved middle-aged academic and author of the beloved Chronicles of Narnia - is perfectly happy being a permanent bachelor. That all changes when he meets American poet Joy Davidman, whose outspoken boldness clashes with the patriarchal world of the university, sparking an unexpected but powerful romance. But when Joy is diagnosed with cancer, Lewis must grapple with the realities of the fragility of life and love and face a harrowing challenge to his own faith.

First written for television in 1985, Shadowlands was adapted for the stage by William Nicholson (Gladiator) in 1989 and later inspired an Oscar-nominated 1993 film starring Anthony Hopkins. It's loosely based on Lewis's own musings about his grief and loss of faith in his book, A Grief Observed. Bonneville first starred in this role at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2019, and is now set to make his much anticipated return to the London stage in this 2026 revival, which begins performances at the Aldwych Theatre in early 2026.

Don't miss this heart-rending portrait of love, loss, and faith when it arrives in London six years after first enchanting audiences.

Shadowlands Last Minute Tickets

tomorrow 11th Apr 2026 2:30pm from £48.00 7:30pm from £48.00 Offers

Tuesday 14th Apr 2026 7:30pm from £36.00 Offers

Wednesday 15th Apr 2026 2:30pm from £48.00 7:30pm from £36.00 Offers

Thursday 16th Apr 2026 2:30pm from £48.00 Offers 7:30pm from £48.00 Offers

Friday 17th Apr 2026 7:30pm from £36.00

Saturday 18th Apr 2026 2:30pm from £48.00 7:30pm from £48.00 Offers

Shadowlands Official Theatre Tickets

Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Aldwych Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for Shadowlands tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for Shadowlands has never been easier.

Shadowlands Ticket Information

Booking until:

Saturday, 9 May 2026
Running time:

2hr 20min. Incl. 1 Interval.
Age restrictions
Ages 12+. Under 5s cannot be admitted to the theatre. Children aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult (at least one adult per 10 children). All patrons, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.
Cancellations & Refunds
Once booked, tickets to Shadowlands are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.

Shadowlands cheap tickets

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Shadowlands reviews

4.8 out of 5 83 reviews

What to expect:

Acting
Music
Costumes
Story
Lighting

Recommended for:
Theatregoers (98%)

Latest customer reviews

All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing Shadowlands.

verified

Gripped throughout

Exceptional acting, I was completely immersed in the story. I laughed, I cried, I felt the anguish. One of the best plays I’ve seen in a long time

K Reviewed on 09 April 2026 by Karen
United Kingdom

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Loved it!

What a marvelous show! Hugh Bonneville was amazing and Maggie Siff did a wonderful job! The language of the show was compelling.

R Reviewed on 05 April 2026 by Robin
United States Of America

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Very moving superb acting

Accurate to the story. Brilliant acting. Very moving.

J Reviewed on 03 April 2026 by Joanna
United Kingdom

verified

Hugh Bonneville absolutely brilliant! A must see!!

Excellent play with superb performance by Hugh B as CS Lewis. Strong support cast. Wonderful journey discovering his faith and understanding our reason for living and God’s love for us.

S Reviewed on 02 April 2026 by Sarah
United Kingdom

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Extraordinary script and cast!

G Reviewed on 28 March 2026 by Gretchen
United States Of America

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thoughtful

This is theatre for thinkers, not a 'weepy' as I saw it advertised. It is about a turn-aroun from head to heart, from theory to experience!

E Reviewed on 26 March 2026 by Elizabeth
United Kingdom

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Powerfu engagingl performances

I hadn't read up on the story prior to my arrival and so, coming from the land of CS Lewis, I was delighted to hear more about his life, rather than his books. The main casting lead roles had superb actors who completely drew you into their world. I highly recommend this show

C Reviewed on 26 March 2026 by Cecilia
United Kingdom

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Generally very enjoyable

The lighter moments full of beautifully timed humour were very well done but I was not so convinced by the more serious expression of dramatic loss and questioning faith.

J Reviewed on 25 March 2026 by Janet
United Kingdom

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Urban Theatre goers

Booked this show because I’m a fan of Hugh Bonniville and not really knowing the story. It was fantastic and certainly would recommend. I noticed that I wasn’t the only person dabbing my eyes with a tissue. My husband and I have both lost our previous spouses so could relate totally to emotions portrayed in the play.

C Reviewed on 25 March 2026 by Christine
United Kingdom

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A Must See

Please see this show “Shadowlands” it is an outstanding play that reaches new heights of entertainment. We are seasoned theatre goers and enjoyed the play so much. Well done to all the cast!

D Reviewed on 24 March 2026 by Dennis
United Kingdom

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Brilliant insight into the life of C S Lewis

D Reviewed on 23 March 2026 by David
United Kingdom

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Excellent and Superb

N Reviewed on 22 March 2026 by Nathan
United Kingdom

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Wonderful production.

F Reviewed on 22 March 2026 by Fergus
Ireland

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Moving story

Moving story created by minimalist but well coordinated group of professional actors

D Reviewed on 22 March 2026 by David
United Kingdom

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Wonderfully written & marvellously interpreted

Hugh Bonneville's interpretation of C.S. Lewis simply takes you away on an emotional trip for 2 hours. I can only recommend this show.

G Reviewed on 21 March 2026 by Geoffrey
Belgium

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Fantastic and moving show

M Reviewed on 21 March 2026 by Maria
United Kingdom

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Interesting

Show had a good story with excellent acting

A Reviewed on 20 March 2026 by Alex
United Kingdom

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Excellent true drama

Powerful prose. Wonderful description Of unexpected true love and deep heartfelt grief. Superb acting. C

S Reviewed on 20 March 2026 by Sheila
United Kingdom

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Powerful in its honest messaging. Metaphysical, but accessible to all, believers and nonbelievers.

The time flew by. It was so solid and kept you listening and thinking and anticipating the next spoken thoughts. It aligned with our thought and was moving, and brilliantly acted. The dynamics between the actors was believable and real. Great script!

A Reviewed on 19 March 2026 by Alekh
Malta

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Thought provoking

Acting as it should be: thought provoking and beautifully crafted

W Reviewed on 19 March 2026 by Wendy
United Kingdom

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A serious play sensitively approached with mature wisdom with a delightful touch of humour at the right moments .

I had no dislikes regarding the production but there are things in theatres that have become normal practice that’s is both disrespectful to the performers and your fellow theatregoers which I won’t go into detail ..

J Reviewed on 17 March 2026 by John
United Kingdom

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It's an amazing story!

It is though provoking, made so real on stage and portrayed well by all! There are funny bits as well as the raw emotions of life.

S Reviewed on 15 March 2026 by Salomë
United Kingdom

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Emotional story

Story was emotional and well acted. All words were audible. Very powerful story

S Reviewed on 14 March 2026 by Sheena
United Kingdom

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Fabulous acting; lovely story.

S Reviewed on 13 March 2026 by Susan
United States Of America

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Powerful and emotive

This was an impressive performance by the whole cast with powerful, emotive scenes and good use of humour to balance the themes. The scene changes were very clever and the staging was simple but thoughtful.

E Reviewed on 13 March 2026 by Edward
United Kingdom

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Incredibly moving, well cast and a must-see

L Reviewed on 12 March 2026 by Linda
United Kingdom

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Wonderful play with top-notch acting

L Reviewed on 12 March 2026 by Linda
United Kingdom

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Go for the actors, stay for the fast-paced dialogue and lovely story

The show is full-on, no time wasted for anything. It’s emotional, clever, sentimental, witty and Bonneville and Siff (and the kid) have amazing chemistry on stage. I enjoyed it. Even from the cheap seats.

J Reviewed on 12 March 2026 by Johanna
Germany

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Highly recommended

The show was wonderful. I didn't know about CS Lewis. Beautifully acted. Sad story. Well worth the price of the ticket

D Reviewed on 09 March 2026 by Dale
United States Of America

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Very touching, humourous food for thought

F Reviewed on 08 March 2026 by Frédérique
France

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Great stuff

H Reviewed on 05 March 2026 by Helen
United Kingdom

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Great performances in a compelling stage production

The quality of acting by Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Siff was top drawer and very well supported by the cast generally. Excellent stage production of a very compelling story.

N Reviewed on 05 March 2026 by Nicholas
United Kingdom

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Don't miss this wonderful play!

A Reviewed on 03 March 2026 by Angela
United Kingdom

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CS Lewis

Fantastic acting - excellent cast

P Reviewed on 03 March 2026 by Phil
United Kingdom

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Extremely interesting

M Reviewed on 03 March 2026 by Michael
United Kingdom

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A very moving play about grief and loss, very amusing in spite of the sadness. In the final few minutes, in spite of having found the whole performance very moving, i was totally unprepared for my overwhelming sense of grief.With uncontrollable tears i was so relieved to hear the person behind me sobbing.The only time a performance has affected me so deeply was the ending of the film "Iris", about Iris Murdoch. Brilliant.

S Reviewed on 01 March 2026 by Susan
United Kingdom

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Moving play

Hugh Bonneville was outstanding as C. S. Lewis. The rest of the cast were also excellent. It moved well, the set changes were slick and cleverly done. The little boy was extremely good. Finally there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Highly recommended.

J Reviewed on 28 February 2026 by Jenny
United Kingdom

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Beautiful

D Reviewed on 25 February 2026 by Diane
United Kingdom

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A wonderful play

Our only issue was the other members of the audience who did not consider blocking a view by doing hair and folding a coat above a head was an issue. Coming with a severe cough or chewing and grunting so loudly it might just be off putting and bleeps on phones. The acting was superb and it’s a special play

M Reviewed on 25 February 2026 by Mary
United Kingdom

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"Surprised by love"

This was a captivating performance well spiced with dry humour but overall, totally absorbing and utterly convincing portrayal by Hugh Bonneville of a man who believed he was pretty much self sufficient albeit a devout Christian who was startled to discover the allure of a witty, intelligent woman, Joy (played superbly by Maggie Siff)who admired him but could also laugh at him & refused to treat him as a guru. She had the audience as well as Lewis, eating out of her hand. Great supporting characters too. A beautiful and thought-provoking show..do we need the experience of pain and loss to understand Love? I believe it's the experience of being loved that can help us bear pain and suffering, that gives us belief there is more good in the world than bad and more demonstration of love and valuing of others in life might well lead to less pain and suffering.

E Reviewed on 21 February 2026 by Eve
United Kingdom

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Bonneville is Fantastic.

J Reviewed on 21 February 2026 by Jessica
United States Of America

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Great Performance of Shadow lands.

Great performance of this wonderful play

G Reviewed on 21 February 2026 by Gerard
Ireland

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Thought provoking

Really liked the acting. Hugh Boneville was standout. Story line a bit limp. Found the audience so annoying tittering a the slightest thing

J Reviewed on 20 February 2026 by John
United Kingdom

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Excellent Boneville and brother?

Worth the visut very exoensive ice cream

W Reviewed on 19 February 2026 by William
United Kingdom

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Marvellous

One of the best shows we have seen in a long time…Hugh Boneville was fantastic as was Maggie Siff. Sad, funny, thoughtful, characterful. In essence wonderfully acted, scripted and produced.

A Reviewed on 19 February 2026 by Annie
United Kingdom

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Sad, thoughtful but interesting

We found the whole event somewhat depressing knowing what was to come. The theme is grasping happiness whilst you can and that everything good is temporary. Emphasis on grief and suffering. The acting was excellent but overall we left feeling sorry for everyone.

E Reviewed on 19 February 2026 by Eleanor
United Kingdom

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Excellent, a must see

S Reviewed on 18 February 2026 by Sven
Belgium

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Engaging play

S Reviewed on 18 February 2026 by Simon
United Kingdom

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Shadowland is a very well acted and thought provoking play. I was thoroughly engaged!

R Reviewed on 17 February 2026 by Robert
Canada

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Wonderful acting

Really enjoyed this production. Really moving story.

A Reviewed on 15 February 2026 by Anna
United Kingdom

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CS Lewis’ philosophy was conveyed as powerfully as his love and grief.

D Reviewed on 13 February 2026 by Daryl
United Kingdom

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Poignant perceptive and philosophical

A show to expose and express your feelings fears loves inhibitions and limitations.

S Reviewed on 12 February 2026 by Simon
United Kingdom

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Lovely storytelling

I didn't know what to expect from the show, but from nearly the first moment you're drawn in to the deep storytelling. It's not fancy or overly complicated, and that's what makes it wonderful.

N Reviewed on 12 February 2026 by Nicole
United Arab Emirates

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Thought provoking

Acting brilliant. The plot covers a hard philosophical argument which might not appeal to all. But worth it just for Hugh Bonneville.

S Reviewed on 12 February 2026 by Susan
United Kingdom

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A well played, funny and profound story

Treating with serious matters: God, why suffering, is our world experience a Shadows of other realities, death, mourning, love, marriage... Moving and funny. Marked by CS Lewis thinking and writing. I understand that he lived in a time (post war, materialism, communism...) where his faith had to find answers. We are in a very different world now and I will not address those question the same way, but it has the merit to ask those questions that can easily be forgotten.

M Reviewed on 12 February 2026 by Marie-christine
United Kingdom

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Thought provoking

Bitter sweet & amusing. Excellent acting. Very enjoyable despite the sad story

L Reviewed on 11 February 2026 by Lesley
United Kingdom

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Endearing profound thought provoking

Amazing acting by Hugh Boneville. Beautiful story telling . Both funny and tragic

J Reviewed on 11 February 2026 by Julia
United Kingdom

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Lewisian gneiss

Cerebral but great acting and the story does move along nicely

P Reviewed on 11 February 2026 by Peter
United Kingdom

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Brilliant acting, cast and storyline

Well worth attending, such an emotional story. I loved it and would watch it again. The cast is brilliant

C Reviewed on 11 February 2026 by Christine
United Kingdom

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An emotionally charged performance

Beautifully written and exquisitely staged. It deals with the themes of love, life, happiness, loss, grief and suffering. Sees you sobbing and laughing in equal measure.

D Reviewed on 09 February 2026 by Daniela
United Kingdom

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Amazingly acted and such a moving story

Shadowlands was an amazing emotional and cleverly acted play. The story is joyous and sad, a rollercoaster of emotions. Hugh Bonnneville and Maggie Siff are amazing and play their parts perfectly, you feel the emotions they both feel. I would recommend the play to everyone although the younger generation may not have lived and lost in the same way to appreciate the emotions, I and my husband on the other hand, were emotionally moved as we have recently lost loved ones. Well done to all of the actors and the scene creators for the clever use of the stage and lighting. Thank you for telling us an amazing story which I had never known.

F Reviewed on 08 February 2026 by Francine
United Kingdom

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Touching story and superb cast

The story could awaken sad and uncomfortable feelings in some, very much depends on one's attitudes and beliefs, not perhaps suitable for children or teens but the cast was great, everyone, and the magic of theatre happened transporting the viewer into imaginary yet very real world.

E Reviewed on 08 February 2026 by Elena
United Kingdom

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A must see

A Reviewed on 06 February 2026 by Aidan
Ireland

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Funny,creative and thoughful

It is very british and excellent production. ⁴

H Reviewed on 06 February 2026 by Hortencia
United Kingdom

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Love and faith essential for our lives

Deeply thoughtful and genuinely kind, caring putting faith as a true anchor of life

H Reviewed on 06 February 2026 by Hany
United Kingdom